Alternating air pressure relief cushion for a sitting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention is based on a manual and automatic, mechanically alternating air pressure relief apparatus and device for placement in wheel chairs and other seating apparatuses. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a manual and automatic, mechanically alternating air pressure relief apparatus and device comprises an impervious top layer and gel-like bottom layer with air cells therein. In preferred embodiment, the device is used for immobile patients to alleviate pressure points from prolonged sitting and immobility.

CROSS REFERENCES

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/755,460, filed on Jan. 22, 2013, which application is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention refers to a manualand automatic, mechanically alternating air pressure relief apparatusand device for placement in wheel chairs and other seating apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to cushions placed on a sittingapparatus, and particularly to a manual and automatic, mechanicallyalternating air pressure relief apparatus and device for placement inseating apparatuses. Users, particularly paraplegics, have experienceddifficulty with circulation in the lower region of their bodies due topressure from extended periods of sitting, to the point of sufferingdecubitus ulcers in the lower region of their bodies. Many patients areincapable of, or unsuccessful in, properly shifting their weight due toloss of sensation in the buttocks and the numerous weight shiftsrequired per day. A means of manually or automatically periodicallyshifting pressure to different areas of the body would allow adequateblood flow, provide relief to users and prevent decubitus ulcers. Thisis especially useful to users who spend a significant amount of timesitting due to a handicap, such as users who utilize wheelchairs.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for a manual and automatic air cellcushion device capable of alleviating the problems associated with longperiods of sitting and immobility.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a version of the invention is directed to a manual orautomatic air cushion affixed to a sitting apparatus and preferablycovering the horizontal surface of a sitting apparatus. The cushion canbe quickly and easily placed on a sitting apparatus. The cushion ispreferably controlled by a hand-held multifunction user interface, whichcan hang from the arm of a sitting apparatus when not in use. Thecontrol panel controls the timing of how pressure is to be relieved,through a rotation of inflation and deflation of multiple air chambers.The control panel will preferably control which air chambers areinflated, and when they are inflated. The control panel's keypad willpreferably have a flat, easily cleaned surface with no cracks orcrevices where food particles can become lodged, to prevent the spreadof germs; and backlighting, similar to a telephone, for easy readabilityunder all lighting conditions.

The cushion may be made of flexible material with an airtight seal, suchas plastic or rubber, to contain pressurized air. The cushion may beproduced in different sizes to accommodate various sizes of sittingapparatuses. The bottom surface of the cushion may have a layer of gelto provide cushioning even when all air chambers are fully deflated. Amultipurpose valve module may be contained within the cushion toelectrically control and regulate airflow between the chambers.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a version of an apparatus embodying featuresof the present invention for a cushioning device.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodyingfeatures of the present invention for a cushioning device.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a version of an apparatus embodying features ofthe present invention for a cushioning device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying features of thepresent invention for a cushioning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the Claimsbelow, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particularfeatures, including method steps, of the invention. It is to beunderstood that the disclosure of the invention in this specificationincludes all possible combinations of such particular features. Forexample, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of aparticular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim,that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combinationwith/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments ofthe invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionallypresent. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C cancontain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only componentsA, B, and C, but also one or more other components, or can contain atleast one component chosen from A, B, or C.

The term “air regulator” and grammatical equivalents thereof are usedherein to mean a device capable of controlling airflow into, and out of,a conduit or cell. Air regulators, as described herein, may be valves,solenoids, electronic pressure regulators, electronic flow controls,electronically controlled proportional valves, pneumatic transducers,multifunction supply manifolds, pneumatic pressure regulators, electricregulators and switches, pressure switches, vacuum flow switches, otherflow switches, proportional pressure controllers/regulators, andproportional valves.

The term “air supply” and grammatical equivalents thereof are usedherein to mean any form of air supply capable of inflating and deflatingair cells in a cushion. An air supply, as described herein, may becompressed air. It is understood that compressed air may come in manyforms and that all forms may be used for the air supply functions of thepresent invention. Other forms of air supply may comprise mechanical airsupply such as a high-efficiency fan. Yet other forms of air supply maycomprise redistributed air pressure sealed in a chamber and controlledby air pressure regulators.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or moredefined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order orsimultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), andthe method can include one or more other steps which are carried outbefore any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, orafter all the defined steps (except where the context excludes thatpossibility).

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of a version ofthe invention comprises a power supply 40, a user interface 30comprising elements 31 for selecting a setting, and a controller 20 witha programmable memory for signaling a preloaded action based on asetting. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the user interface 30 andcontroller 20 are in communication 32. In one embodiment thecommunication 32 is physical, as with a wire. In yet another embodimentthe communication 32 is proximal, as in wireless or Bluetooth. An airsupply 50 is connected to a main air supply line 52 and powered by apower supply 40 and controlled by the controller 20. The air supply 50is in contact with the power supply 40 and in communication 22 with thecontroller 20. In one embodiment the communication 22 is physical, aswith a wire. In yet another embodiment the communication 22 is proximal,as in wireless or Bluetooth communication.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a multiuse valve element 10 is in contact withthe main air supply line 52. The multiuse valve element 10 is an airdivider. The multiuse valve element 10 has a receiving end 14 and adispensing end 15. The receiving end 14 connects to the main air supplyline 52. The dispensing end 15 has individual air supply ports 11. Theindividual air supply ports 11 are connected to individual air supplylines 13. The individual air supply lines 13 are connected to individualcells 6 in an air cushion 5. The air cushion 5 comprises a top side,bottom side, front side, back side, left side, right side, andindividual air cells. In a preferred embodiment of a version of theinvention the individual air supply lines 13 are bundled together toform a single conduit housing each individual air supply line 13.

In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention the air cellcushion 5 further comprises the top side being an impervious waterproofmaterial. In one embodiment, the air cushion bottom side comprises agel-like material. The air cushion bottom and top side are connected bythe air cushion front side, back side, left side and right side, andindividual air cells 6 inside the air cushion 5.

In one embodiment, the air cushion device 5 further comprises thecontroller 20 being preloaded to automatically adjust after a presetamount of time, depending on the user's specific ailment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air cushion device further comprises thecontroller 20 is configured and programmed to allow specific areas ofthe cushion 5 to be inflated and deflated based on a user signaling aspecific button 31 on the user interface 30. The user interface 30 isconnected 32 to the controller 20. In one embodiment this connection 32is physical, as with wires. In yet another embodiment, the connection 32is proximal, as in wireless or Bluetooth. The user interface 20 sends,and the controller 20 receives, a signal. The controller 20 subsequentlycontrols air pressure regulators 12 and the air supply 50.

Yet another embodiment of a version of the invention comprises an aircell cushion device 5 further comprising, a user interface 30 withelements 31 for selecting a preloaded user setting. In a preferredembodiment, the user interface 30 is connected to a controller 20, thecontroller 20 being programmed to execute a preloaded action. Preferablythe preloaded action of the controller 20 is dependent on the settingchosen on the user interface 30. Preferably, the controller 20 isconnected to an air supply 50 and air pressure regulators 12. The airsupply 50 is connected to a main air supply line 52. The main air supplyline 52 is connected to an air supply divider 10 having a receiving 14and dispensing 15 end. The air supply divider 10 receiving end 14 isconnected to the main air supply line 52. The air supply divider 10dispensing end 15 is connected to many individual air ports 11. The airports 11 are in contact with pressure regulators 12. The controller 20controls the pressure regulators 12. The air ports 11 and pressureregulators 12 are in contact with individual port air supply lines 13.The individual port air supply lines 13 are connected to individual aircells 6. The individual air cells 6 are inside of an air cushion 5.

Yet another embodiment of a version of the invention comprises an aircell cushion device 5 further comprising an air pressure control element10 comprising, a first end 14 and a second end 15. The first end 14 isin contact with an air supply 50. The second end 15 has individual ports11 with individual cell air supply lines 13 connected thereto. Theindividual cell air supply lines 13 are connected to individual aircells 6. The individual air cells 6 are inside an air cushion 5.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention the air supply 50 isconnected to the first end 14 of the air pressure control element 10.Other embodiments further comprise the individual ports 11 beingconnected to air pressure regulators 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment the air cushion 5 isrectangular in shape and can be quickly and easily placed on a sittingapparatus. In a preferred embodiment, a hand-held all-in-onemultifunction control panel 60, which may hang from a sitting apparatuswhen not in use, may control the air cushion 5. The all-in-one controlpanel 60 will control the timing of how pressure is to be released,through a rotation of inflation and deflation of multiple air chambers.In yet another embodiment, a user may manually adjust the inflated aircushions. The control panel 60 will preferably control which airchambers are inflated, and when they are inflated.

In one embodiment the device takes the form of an air cushion 5 with ahand-held multifunction control panel 30. In a preferred embodiment of aversion of the invention, a keypad or user interface of the controlpanel 30 will have a flat, easily cleaned surface with no cracks orcrevices. Thus, no bacteria, germs, or food particles can become lodged,preventing the spread of germs. Another embodiment of a version of theinvention comprises the control panel 30 being backlit, similar to atelephone, for easy readability under all lighting conditions. In apreferred embodiment, the control panel 30 and air supply 50 will beelectrically powered by an internal battery 40. In yet anotherembodiment the system will be capable of drawing electric power from apower supply or a wall outlet, to simultaneously recharge the battery 40and power the air supply 50 and control panel 30. In a preferredembodiment of a version of the invention, the battery is a rechargeablelithium-ion battery. As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, one embodimentcomprises an all-in-one control unit 60 comprising a controller andpower supply housed therein.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the control panel 30will provide a preloaded user setting to the controller 20. In oneembodiment, the controller 20 is connected to the air cushion 5 via amultiuse cord comprising a combined air hose 13 and electrical controlwire 21. Any rigid or semi-rigid material may be used for the basicexternal components of the control panel; however, plastic, fiberglass,or similar materials is the preferred embodiment of the device. The aircushion 5 will preferably be produced in different sizes to accommodatevarious sizes of sitting apparatuses. In one version, the bottom surfaceof the air cushion will have a layer of gel to provide cushioning evenwhen all air chambers are fully deflated, particularly if the devicemalfunctions or becomes disconnected from its power supply.

In one embodiment, the multiuse cord comprises a combined air hose andelectrical control wire and will control a multipurpose valve module 10contained within the air cushion 5 to electrically control and regulateair flow between the air chambers. In a preferred embodiment of aversion of the invention, the multiuse cord, comprising an air hose andelectrical control wire, is in contact with the multipurpose valvemodule 10. In one embodiment, the multipurpose valve module regulatesthe amount of air distributed to, or exhausted from, each air cell 6. Inyet another embodiment of a version of the invention, each individualair cell 6 is in contact with an air regulator 12, and the air regulator12 is in contact with an individual air supply line 13. Thus, in apreferred embodiment, a multipurpose valve module 10 receives a main airsupply line 52, and supplies many individual air cells 6. Themultipurpose valve 10 comprises an electrical connection 21 forproviding power to air regulators 12. In a preferred embodiment, eachindividual port 11 has a separate electrical connection 21 and airregulator 12.

In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the main airsupply line 52 is divided into many small lines for inflating/deflatingindividual cells. In one embodiment, the main air supply line 52 isconnected to a connector 10 having a main supply input 14 and many feedline output ports 11. Preferably, the connector has at least 9 feed lineoutput ports 11.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention, there is provided anelectrical supply line 21 for providing power to air regulators andvalves. In one embodiment, an electrical supply line 21 provides powerto individual port air regulators 12. In a preferred embodiment, a mainsupply line 41 powers a control device 20, the control device 20 thenprovides individual power supply lines 21 to each individual port airregulator 12. In a preferred embodiment, the control device 20 willsupply the necessary electrical current and signal to properlyinflate/deflate each individual air cell 6.

In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, themultipurpose valve module 10 comprises individual air regulators 12 incontact with each individual air cell 6.

In one embodiment, the valve module 10 will rotate inflation anddeflation of the air chambers by unsealing and equalizing pressurebetween all air chambers, then sealing all air chambers and pumping airout of the chambers to be deflated, and into the chambers to beinflated.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show exemplary embodiments. In the first exemplaryembodiment, a rectangular air cushion 5 is provided. The air cushion 5is preferably composed of flexible material such as rubber, silicon orsimilar materials capable of an airtight seal to contain pressurizedair. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the aircushion has twelve circular air chambers 6 that are preferably one andone-half inches in diameter, and preferably about 2-4 inches deep. It isunderstood that the number of air chambers 6, and size and shape of airchambers 6 may be changed and altered and still fall within the scope ofthis invention. In one embodiment, the air chambers 6 are arranged inrows. Inflation and deflation of the air chambers 6 is rotated toprovide periodic pressure relief to the user's lower region. More orfewer air chambers 6 are contemplated. The diameter and arrangement ofthe air chambers 6, and the dimensions of the air cushion 5 may also beadjusted. This adjustment may specifically accommodate the various sizesof sitting apparatuses currently available to the user.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understandand appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, andequivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. Theinvention should, therefore, not be limited by the above describedembodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methodswithin the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1) An air cell cushion device comprising: a) a userinterface comprising elements for selecting a setting, b) a controllerwith a programmable memory for signaling a preloaded action based on asetting, the user interface and controller being in communication, c) anair supply connected to a main air supply line and powered by a powersupply and controlled by the controller, the air supply being in contactwith the power supply and in communication with the controller, d) amultiuse valve element in contact with the main air supply line, i) themultiuse valve element having a receiving end and a dispensing end, ii)the receiving end connecting to the main air supply line, iii) thedispensing end having individual air supply ports, iv) the individualair supply ports being connected to individual air supply lines, v) theindividual air supply lines connected to individual cells in an aircushion, and, e) the air cushion comprising a top side, bottom side,front side, back side, left side, right side, and individual air cells.2) The air cell cushion of claim 1, further comprising: a) the multiusevalve element having a receiving end and a dispensing end, b) thereceiving end connecting to the main air supply line, c) the dispensingend having individual air supply ports, d) the individual air supplyports having air regulators connected thereto, e) the air regulatorsbeing in communication with the controller, and f) the controllersignaling the air regulators to inflate or deflate a specific air cellat a predetermined rate. 3) The air cell cushion of claim 2, furthercomprising: a) the multiuse valve element having a receiving end and adispensing end, b) the receiving end connecting to the main air supplyline, and c) the receiving end having an air regulator for controllingthe amount of air pressure in an air supply chamber. 4) The air cellcushion device of claim 1, the air cushion device further comprising: a)the air cushion top side comprising an impervious waterproof material,b) the air cushion bottom side comprising a gel-like material, c) theair cushion bottom and top side being connected by the air cushion frontside, back side, left side and right side, and d) individual air cellsinside the air cushion. 5) The air cell cushion device of claim 1, theair cushion device further comprising the controller is preloaded toautomatically adjust after a preset amount of time, depending on theuser's specific ailment. 6) The air cell cushion device of claim 3, theair cushion device further comprising the controller is preloaded toautomatically adjust after a preset amount of time, depending on theuser's specific ailment. 7) The air cell cushion device of claim 1, theair cushion device further comprising: a) the controller is configuredand programmed to allow specific areas of the cushion to be inflated anddeflated based on a user signaling a specific button on the userinterface, b) the user interface being connected to the controller, c)the user interface sending and the controller receiving the signal, andd) the controller subsequently controlling the air pressure regulatorsand air supply. 8) The air cell cushion device of claim 3, the aircushion device further comprising: a) the controller is configured andprogrammed to allow specific areas of the cushion to be inflated anddeflated based on a user signaling a specific button on the userinterface, b) the user interface being connected to the controller, c)the user interface sending and the controller receiving the signal, andd) the controller subsequently controlling the air pressure regulatorsand air supply. 9) An air cell cushion device comprising, a) a userinterface comprising elements for selecting a preloaded user setting, b)the user interface being connected to a controller, the controller beingprogrammed to execute a preloaded action, the preloaded action of thecontroller being dependent on the setting chosen on the user interface,c) the controller being connected to an air supply and air pressureregulators, d) the air supply being connected to a main air supply line,e) the main air supply line being connected to an air supply dividerwith a receiving and dispensing end, f) the air supply divider receivingend being connected to the main air supply line, g) the air supplydivider dispensing end being connected to many individual air ports, h)the air ports being in contact with pressure regulators, the pressureregulators being controlled by the controller, i) the air ports andpressure regulators being in contact with individual port air supplylines, j) the individual port air supply lines being connected toindividual air cells, and k) the individual air cells being inside of anair cushion. 10) The air cell cushion device of claim 9, furthercomprising the receiving end having an air pressure regulator forcontrolling the amount of air pressure in an air supply chamber. 11) Theair cell cushion device of claim 9, the air cushion device furthercomprising: a) the air cushion top side comprising an imperviouswaterproof material, b) the air cushion bottom side comprising agel-like material, c) the air cushion bottom and top side beingconnected by the air cushion front side, back side, left side and rightside, and d) individual air cells inside the air cushion. 12) An aircell cushion device comprising an air pressure control element, furthercomprising: a) a first end and a second end, b) the first end being incontact with an air supply, c) the second end having individual ports,d) the individual ports having individual cell air supply linesconnected thereto, e) the individual cell air supply lines beingconnected to individual air cells, and f) the individual air cells beinginside an air cushion. 13) The air cell cushion device of claim 12,further comprising: a) the air supply being connected to the first endof the air pressure control element, b) the second end being connectedto the individual cell air supply lines, c) air moving from the airsupply through the first end of the air pressure control element, d) theair moving through the pressure control element into the second end ofthe air pressure control element, and e) the air moving through theindividual air supply lines and into the individual air cells inside anair cushion. 14) The air pressure control element of claim 13, theindividual ports being connected to air pressure regulators. 15) The airpressure control element of claim 14, the first end being in contactwith an air pressure regulator. 16) The air cell cushion device of claim13, the air cushion device further comprising: i) the air cushion topside comprising an impervious waterproof material, ii) the air cushionbottom side comprising a gel-like material, iii) the air cushion bottomand top side being connected by the air cushion front side, back side,left side and right side, and iv) individual air cells inside the aircushion.